Yesterday morning, Jabhat Al-Nusra and Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) militants attacked the Syrian-border city of Brital in east Lebanon, attempting to thwart Hezbollah fighters from the area. The attack was repulsed by civilian militias and Hezbollah fighters, as over 70 militants were killed by the latter during firefights in the last two days. Brital is strategically located near the Syrian Arab Army controlled Yabroud District of the Rif Dimashq Governate; its proximity to the ‘Arsal supply route is vital to Jabhat Al-Nusra.
According to sources in the area, firefights are still ongoing, but Hezbollah has successfully forestalled the infiltration attempt by the militant groups. Civilians in Brital have supported Hezbollah fighters with supplies and access to various parts of the town. As of today, 8 Hezbollah fighters have been killed and another 2 dozen have been wounded during the fierce clashes the last 2 days.
A large cache of weapons and ammmunition were confiscated by Hezbollah fighters following the battle, along with falsified documents and battle maps that were among the possession of the dead militants. Jabhat Al-Nusra has intensified their attacks in east Lebanon after the Lebanese Army raids on Syrian refugee camps 2 weeeks ago in ‘Arsal, Tripoli, and Koura.
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